Description: The Tipchak is a tactical unmanned air vehicle (UAV) system developed by Vega Radio Engineering Corp for the Russian Ministry of Defense. It has been designed to provide intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities over the battlefield at ranges of 40 kilometers from its launch site in all-weather conditions. Each Tipchak UAV system comprises a control center, launch pneumatic catapult and six air vehicles. The air vehicle is equipped with CCD-TV and infrared cameras, laser designator and a real-time digital data-link for communications with ground stations. In its target acquisition role in support of artillery units, it can provide targeting for weapon systems such as howitzers, rocket systems, and tactical ballistic missiles at ranges of up to 350 kilometers. The first system is expected to be delivered to the Russian Army by the end of 2008 with several dozen systems to follow in the next few years. Vega plans call for the development of an attack armed version based upon the Tipchak air vehicle.

The Tipchak reconnaissance UAV prototype was used by Russia during the South Ossetia war against Georgia in August 2008 with unsuccessful results.